``He`s probably a better 3-point shooter than I choose to be,`` Jordan said.

But in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Jordan chose to be the superior long- range threat in a 39-point performance.

Because of that perimeter precision, and because of the Bulls` 122-89 victory Wednesday night, Chicago moved a step closer in the best-of-seven series to back-to-back titles.

With Portland`s defense on its heels anticipating penetration by Jordan and forward Scottie Pippen, Jordan took his offense to the safety of 3-point range.

``The 3`s were falling like free throws,`` he said.

And that made the Chicago Stadium throng forget about Jordan`s lack of dunks (with the notable exception of a one-hand, alley-oop, power display in the third quarter).

``I couldn`t miss,`` said Jordan, who finished 16 of 27 from the field. ``I didn`t know what was happening.``

After removing the 3-pointer from his offense this season, Jordan loaded up against Portland.

Jordan finished the first half 6 of 9 on 3-pointers to set a Finals first- half record and tie the Finals game record of six. He closed 6 of 10, while adding 11 assists.

The long-distance display helped Jordan run his scoring total to 35 in the first half, also a Finals record.

``It`s almost ridiculous to try to stretch our defense out that far,`` Blazers point guard Terry Porter said.

At one stage in the second quarter, even Jordan appeared overwhelmed by his success, as he offered a ``what-can-I-tell-you?`` shrug to the Blazers` Cliff Robinson after yet another 3.

And while Jordan was mystifying Portland from the perimeter, the Blazers did little to help erase the ``dumb`` tag they earned after a 20-point loss in their only previous appearance in Chicago this season.

Time and again, Portland`s defense retreated to clog the lane at any sign of penetration by either Pippen or Jordan.

Drexler`s response to that tact was classic doublespeak. ``When he gets away from the defense, it looks like he`s open,`` said Drexler, who scored 16 on 5-of-14 shooting, including an 0-for-2 effort on 3-pointers.

The Blazers just didn`t seem to get it.

But Portland`s brainlock was not just a defensive shortcoming.

That Blazers` trademark, the lousy pass, often was followed by foolish attempts to make spectacular plays. The result was 21 turnovers that led to 34 Bulls points. Chicago, by contrast, committed 12 turnovers that led to 12 Blazers points.

Jordan left with his 39 points with 3:04 left in the third period, but returned briefly in the fourth quarter in a bid to break Elgin Baylor`s Finals record of 61 points, after previously breaking Baylor`s first-half record of 33. As it was, Jordan hardly was needed for more than his four second-half points.

While Jordan`s performance left most of the other matchups moot, the Blazers had few opportunities to use their front-line bulk. Power forward Buck Williams was limited to 6 minutes in the first half by three fouls and center Kevin Duckworth also had early foul trouble.

Jordan, though, did have support, most notably a 24-point, 10-assist outing by Pippen, who used his quickness to exploit his matchup with Portland`s Jerome Kersey (seven points, seven rebounds).

But no matchup was exploited more than the Drexler-Jordan showdown.

``They left me alone and I felt comfortable taking the shots behind the line,`` Jordan said. ``Nobody expected it. I didn`t know what was going on, but they were going in.``

Said Bulls coach Phil Jackson: ``I marveled at it.``

NBA FINALS

Chicago leads 1-0.

-- GAME 1: Chicago 122, Portland 89

-- GAME 2: Friday at Chicago, 9 p.m.

-- GAME 3: Sunday at Portland, 7 p.m.

-- GAME 4: Wednesday at Portland, 9 p.m.

-- GAME 5: June 12 at Portland, 9 p.m.*

-- GAME 6: June 14 at Chicago, 7 p.m.*

-- GAME 7: June 17 at Chicago, 9 p.m.*

*-if necessary

K(AP photo)Bulls star Michael Jordan was on the mark throughout the first half, scoring 35 points.(COLOR)

(AP photo)Bulls` Scottie Pippen loses the ball after Blazers` Cliff Robinson forces him to find a new path to the basket.